Control system for printing presses



May 15, 1962 R. E. OSTWALD CONTROL SYSTEM FOR PRINTING PRESSES 7Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Sept. 16, 1959 May 15, 1962 R. E. OSTWALD CONTROLSYSTEM FOR PRINTING PRESSES '7 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Sept. 16, 1959 May15, 1962 R. E. OSTWALD CONTROL SYSTEM FOR PRINTING PRESSES 7Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Sept. 16, 1959 y 5, 1962 R. E. OSTWALD 3,034,427

CONTROL SYSTEM FOR PRINTING PRESSES Filed Sept. 16, 1959 7 Sheets-Sheet4 May 15, 1962 R. E. OSTWALD 3,034,427

CONTROL SYSTEM FOR PRINTING PRESSES Filed Sept. 16, 1959 '7 Sheets-Sheet5 R. E. OSTWALD CONTROL SYSTEM FOR PRINTING PRESSES May 15, 1962 7Sheets-Sheet 7 Filed Sept. 16, 1959 United States Patent 3,034,427CONTROL SYSTEM FOR PRINTING PRESSES Robert E. Ostwald, 112 RamblewoodAve., Staten Island, N.Y. Filed Sept. 16, 1959, Ser. No. 840,440 25Claims. (Cl. 101-144) This invention relates to printing presses andmore particularly to an improved offset printing press and controldevices therefor which permit far more satisfactory operation to beachieved.

Printing presses, sometimes called duplicators, of the general type showand described herein are well known and are currently supplied on themarket in both manual and automatic forms. Although there are severalmakes and types of such printing presses the present invention isillustrated as applied to the Multilith model 1250 dupplicatormanufactured and sold by the Addressograph- Multigraph Corporation. Itwill be understood however that the same invention may be applied insome cases without any modification whatsoever to competing machines. Inorder to avoid undue repetition of conventional printing press structureit is believed not necessary to describe these in detail.

In all of the printing presses of this type currently manufactured andsold there is no means whereby the operation of the press can be madeeither completely automatic, completely manual or any intermediatecombination thereof to best accommodate the particular needs of the jobbeing run. In the prior art machines the printing press if of theautomatic variety will run the desired number of sheets through thepress and then stop. it is impossible however to continue the automaticoperation should it be necessary or desirable to interrupt the same andit is also extremely dir'ficult, if not impossible, to set up the pressso that test runs to check the satisfactory printing can be made at anytime either before, after or during the run. It is also a feature of thepresent invention that a given run of impressions may be cut short orextended without interfering in any way with the otherwise automaticfeatures.

As will be explained hereinafter, the control of the various elements inthe invention is carefully arranged so that all of the variouspreliminary operations can be performed with a minimum of difficulty.

The primary object of the invention therefore is to provide anattachment for an offset printing press which enables a much wider rangeof control to be achieved for any desired type of manual or automaticoperation of the press.

A further object is to provide improved electrical circuitry in acontrol system for a printing press.

A further object of the invention is to provide an improved controlcircuit for a printing press in which manual operation of any one of anumber of individual elements of the press is electricallyinterconnected so that operation of selected parts of the press may bestopped or started simply by actuation of the individual element.

A further object of the invention is to provide an improved paper guidefor a printing press of the type described.

A further object of the invention is to provide in a printing press ofthe type described, overriding controls for the various circuits.

A still further object is to provide a visible count down indicator anddevice capable of controlling the various cycles of the press.

A further object is to provide means for visibly indicating variousoperating conditions of the press.

Further objects will be apparent from the specification and drawings inwhich FIG. 1 is a front view partly broken away of a printing pressincorporating my invention,

PEG. 2 is a diagrammatic view showing the relationship of the importantparts of the printing press and the incorporation therewith of thefeatures of the present invention,

PEG. 3 is an enlarged sectional detail showing the control system of myinvention attached to the printing press of FIG. 1,

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary sectional detail as seen at 4-4 of FIG. 3,

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary sectional detail as seen at 5-5 of FIG. 3,

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary perspective of the actuating handle shown inFIG. 5,

FIG. 7 is a perspective of the switch control collar used in conjunctionwith the structure of FIGS. 5 and 6,

FIG. 8 is a sectional view as seen at 8-8 of FIG. 5,

FIG. 9 shows the structure of FIG. 8 in a moved position,

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary sectional detail showing the switch controlcollar installed on the ink roller shaft,

FIG. 11 is a fragmentary detail showing the interrelated control for oneof the microswitches,

FIG. 12 is a sectional detail as seen at 12-42 of FIG. 11,

FIG. 13 is an enlarged sectional detail as seen at 13-13 of FIG. 3,

FIG. 14 is a sectional view as seen at 14-14 of FIG. 13,

FIG. 15 is a perspective showing the pressure adjusting plate andcontrol handle stop as seen in FEG. 13,

FIG. 16 is a fragmentary sectional detail as seen at 16-16 of FIG. 3,

FIG. 17 is an end view of the structure as seen at 17-17 of FIG. 3,

FIG. 18 is a sectional view as seen at 18-18 of FIG. 17,

FIG. 19 is a perspective with the elements thereof disconnected showingthe actuating linkage for the control counter,

FIG. 20 is a fragmentary sectional detail showing details of the motorstarting switch for use with accessories such as a dampener attachmentand a blanket cleaner,

FIG. 21 is a perspective showing one of the switch actuating elements ofFIG. 20,

FIG. 22 is a perspective showing the outside of the control housingsuitable for attachment to the printing press of PEG. 1,

FIG. 23 is a perspective showing the inside of the housing of FIG. 22,

FIG. 24 is a perspective of the electrical control box mounted on theframe of the printing press of FIG. 1,

FIGS. 25-28 are wiring diagrams for my improved control system,

FIG. 29 is a side view showing an improved paper guide suitable for usewith the printing press of FIG. 1,

FIG. 39 is an end view of the structure of FIG. 29, and

FIG. 31 is a perspective showing the mounting bracket for the guide ofFIGS. 29 and 30.

The conventional oifset printing press embodies the principle ofapplying ink to a master or plate which is carried around the peripheryof the master cylinder. An aqueous solution is applied to the master toprevent adherence of ink to any areas of the master where suc h is notdesired. Ink from the master is transferred to the blanket which iswrapped around the periphery of the blanket cylinder. The sheets to beprinted are then fed automatically between the impression cylinder andthe blanket cylinder. Because of this transfer from the master cylinderto the blanket cylinder and then to the 3. paper, this type of press isgenerally known as an offset printing press. Due to the inherent natureof. such a press, the control of the rollers which supply the ink to themaster as well as the rollers which supply the aqueous solution to themaster must be perfectly timed and coordinated. Likewise the contactbetween the master and the blanket is controllable through an operatinglever whichswings the master cylinder in to and out of contact'with theperiphery of the blanket cylinder. In addition, the feeding means forthe paper sheets must be interrelated so that in the present system ifthe various operating controls are not in their proper positions, thepaper feed will be stopped. Conversely, under certain circumstances itmay be desirable to continue the feeding of paper or to operate certainof the rollers when other elements of the system are inoperative. tionis directed to the feature of a control counter which is connected tothe same drive as the main counter but which is a count down counterprovided with a suitable resetting lever and switch which in conjunctionwith an override switch permits the operator at any time to either runregistered or unregistered overs.

Referring now more particularly to the drawings, a conventional offsetprinting press such as for example the Addressograph-MultigraphMultilith model 1250 is provided with a base which supports the mainpress mechanism generally enclosed in a'housing 36 in which access doorsor panels 37, 37 are provided so that various operating parts of thepress can be readily serviced. The paper stock 38 is placed in a feedermagazine 39 from which it is transferred to the press, and the stack isposi 'tioned on the feeder magazine 39 by means of' my improved feedguide assembly 40. After passing through the printing press the printedsheets are deposited in the paper receiver 43, all of which is wellknown in the printing press art. The principal elements of the presentinvention are generally centralized in or close to the control coverplate or housing 44 shown mounted on the printing press in FIG. 1. Themechanism for supplying the aqueous solution to the master comprises amain dampening attachment 45. The conventional sheet counter 46 ismounted near the top of the main housing 36 and is mechanicallyinterconnected with the control counter 47 as will be more fullydescribed hereinafter. A portion of the ink feed and roller assembly isshown at 48, but this mechanism forms no part of the present invention.

Other than the mechanism mentioned briefly above associated with thecontrol housing 44, the principal feature of the present inventionresides in providing a solenoid controlled device for bleeding thesuction pump 50. This pump is provided with an intake or suction line 51leading to the suction head, and a discharge line 52. The suction line51 is connected to a control box 53 by means of a suction line orconduit 54 and T 55. The other end of suction line 51 connects to thepaper feeder or suction foot 57 shown diagrammatically in FIG. 2. Paperdelivered from the feeder magazine 39 is guided over feed rollers 58 and59 to a conveyer assembly 60 and under the sheet detector 61. Fromthence the individual paper sheets feed between the impression cylinder62 and the blanket cylinder 63. A stripper 64 peels the printed sheetsfrom the periphery of the impression cylinder and, with the aid ofrollers 65 and 66, delivers the sheets into the paper receiver 43. Thesheets are deflected into the receiver and properly stacked by means ofa springpaper retainer 67.

Ink is deposited, in accordance with standard procedure, in the'inkfountain from whence it is transferred by the ink roller 71 to a seriesof intermediate'rollers or ink ductors 72, 73, and 74. The ink continuesin its path to rollers 75 and 76 which transfer ink to theink spreader77 and from thence to the ink form rollers 78 and 79. These inkformrollers are operable to contact the plate or master wrapped aroundthe periphery of the master cylinder 80 which in turnis controllable tocontact the V periphery of the blanket cylinder 63.

Particular atten- V The aqueous solution is deposited in a trough orfountain from whence it is picked up by the roller 86 and transferredthrough ductor roller 87 and spreader roll 88 to the liquid or waterapplicator roller 89'. Roller 89 is likewise movable to contact or clearthe periphery of the master cylinder 80.

Referring particularly to FIG. 3, the operating knob or control lever 90for the ink form roller 79 is shown in broken lines in operating orcontact position with the periphery of the master cylinder 80. Likewisethe control knob 91 for ink form roller 78 isshown in full lines in itsoperating or contact position. The master cylinder 80 is controlled bymeans of a handle or lever 93 which moves from the vertical positionshown in full lines in FIG. 3 to a substantially 45 position indicatedin broken lines. The override and manual control switch 94 is mounted ina most accessible position on the top of housing "44 and is preferablyof the momentary, maintained neutral, maintained type produced byMinneapolis Honeywell Regulator Company No. 13 AT3. The possibleoperating cycles and operating conditions accomplished by the judicioususe of the override-manual control switch 94 will be more fullyexplained in conjunction with the circuit diagram shown in FIG. 25. Thedampening roller 89 is controlled in much the same manner as ink formrollers 78 and 79 through an operating knob or lever 95 so that thedampening roller 89 can be moved to contact the periphery of the mastercylinder 80.

The main counter 46 is connected to the control counter 47 by means oflinkage 96 one end of which is secured to the actuating shaft 97 of thecounter 47 and the other end of which is secured to the actuating shaft98* of counter 46 through an articulated joint which will be describedmore fully in conjunction with FIGS. 17'l9. Counter 46 is provided witha knurled resetting knob 99. Control counter 47 is originally set byraising the cover 100 and manually turning the indicating dials (notshown). Control counter 47 also has a rerun or resetting. lever 101mounted at the left-hand side, seen in FIG. 3, and the housing ofcounter 47 is provided with a yellow light 102 and a red light 103. Thepurpose and timing of these lights will also be described more fully inconjunction with the wiring circuits of FIG. 25. The actuating mechanismfor the counters insofar as it is necessary to be described hereinconsist of a pivot actuator arm 105, journaled on a bolt 106, andpositioned to operate the counter shaft 97 and 98 through linkage 96. Acam 107 is keyed to the shaft 108 of blanket cylinder 63 and serves toactuate the arm whenever a sheet of paper passes between the impressioncylinder 62-and the blanket cylinder 63. The presence or absence of sucha sheet is de-' tected by the conventional mechanism shown schematicallyat 61 in 'FIG. 2. The detector controls a series of links (not shown)which operatively interconnect cam 107' with arm 105 only when a sheetpasses the detector 61. Arm 105 is spring loaded by means oftensionspring 110.

Dampening Roller Switch Assembly Referring now to FIG. 4, the structuraldetails of the switch actuator connected with the dampeningrollercontrol knob 95 will be more fully explained. Knob 95 is pinned to theroller shaft on which the dampening roller 89 is journaled by means ofbushings 116. An eccentric bushing or sleeve 117 serves to journal theshaft 115 in pivoting trunnions 118 so that upon rotation of knob 95 andshaft 115, through an arc ofapproximately 90, contact between dampeningroller 89 and master cylinder 80 is effected. A springloaded detentassembly 119 controls the limits of rotation of the shaft in trunnion118. Just inside the hub of knob 95, shaft 115 is provided with anarcuate cutout 120 which is axially aligned with a boss 1.21 in the boreof a pivoting switch actuating collar 122. (FIG. 8). Collar 122 isslotted at 123 and retained on the trunnion 118 by means of a shoulderscrew 124, so that the collar is free'to pivot around the center of thescrew. When the recess 120 and the boss 121 are in registry, as shown inFIG. 9, the collar 122 moves to an upward pivoted position and throughthe coiled end 125 of switch actuator arm 126, controls normally closedswitch 127. When the shaft 115 and consequently recess 120 are turnedapproximately the collar 122 pivots downwardly as shown in FIG. 8. Itthereby moves the actuator arm 126 thus operating the switch 127. Aswill be described more fully, switch 127 closes a circuit when in theposition of FIG. 9 with the knob pointing in a generally horizontalposition. When the knob and its shaft are turned to the verticalposition of FIG. 8, switch 127 is opened. Actuator arm 126 is pivoted onpost 128 and carries an extension 129 which contacts the button 130 ofswitch 127. Trunnion 118 is adjustably pivoted to shoulder screw 131 toeffect proper axial contact between roller 89 and cylinder 80 but thisadjustment does not in any way effect operation of switch 127.

The description of the mounting shown in FIGS. 4 and 8 may on somemachines be applicable only to the ink roller controls 90 and 91 but hasbeen described herein in connection with the dampener control 95.Repetition of this construction which forms in itself no part of thepresent invention is omitted in the interest of clarity.

Ink Roller Switch Assembly The construction of the control for the inkroller 79 is quite similar to that just described in conjunction withthe dampening roller 89 and may be seen -by referring to FIGS. 10, 11,and 12. In a similar manner, the knob 90 is pinned to the ink rollershaft 135 which has a similar eccentric bushing journaled in a trunnion136 secured to the main housing by means of a shoulder screw 137. Arecess 138 on the shaft 135 may be rotated to register with a boss 139on the switch actuating collar 140 in exactly the same manner shown inFIGS. 8 and 9. When knob 90 is turned to the vertical noncontactposition for the ink roller, shown in broken lines in FIG. 3, the recess138 on shaft 135 is out of registry with boss 139 on collar 140. Thisdisplaces the collar 140 upwardly as seen in FIG. 10 thereby pivotingthe switch control arm 141 clockwise and opening switch 127. When inkroller control knob 90 is turned approximately 90 to the horizontal orcontact position, boss 139 registers with recess 138 and collar 140 isdisplaced downwardly as seen in FIG. 10 thus pivoting arm 141 counterclockwise on post 142 and thereby closing switch 127. Arm 141 has anL-shaped extension 143 which bears against and encloses the extension129 on arm 126 thus producing an over center interconnected actuation ofswitch 127. This interconnection permits spring 144 connected to post128 to bias both switch arms 126 and 141. The corresponding parts of inkroller 78 are numbered with primed numbers since they are otherwiseidentical to the description of the assembly for upper ink roller 79 andthe dampener roller 89. Trunnions 1'36 and 136' pivot on theirrespective shoulder screws 137 and 137 for purposes of obtaining evenapplication of ink to the master. They are interconnected by means ofspring 145 which may bias them against a double face cam 146 to properlyposition the ink rollers as may be required during the operation ornonoperation of the press. This structure is conventional and forms nopart of the present invention.

An analysis of the foregoing details of operation indicate that thepress operator cannot drop the ink roller to operate the press unlessthe dampening roller is already down. The interrelated action of thestructure (FIG. ll) and particularly arms 126 and 141 provide an area ofless motion if the ink roller is held so that the dampening rolleractuation is a prerequisite to press operation by the ink roller. It isto be noted also that the collars 122 can be on either the ink roller,dampening roller, or both. In other words either the ink roller or thedampener roller may be actuated first but both must be in operatingposition in order to start the press.

Master Cylinder Control Assembly Control of the operating elements ofthe press by means of an electrical circuit is also achieved by turningthe master cylinder lever 93 from a nouprinting (cylinders out ofcontact) position shown in FIG. 3 to an operating position shown inbroken lines. Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 13-16, the master cylindercontrol lever 93 is mounted on the master cylinder shaft 149 andretained thereon by means of a fillister head screw 150. Lever 193 hasan eccentric hub 151 which is journaled in a support bracket 152pivotally secured to the main press frarne 153 by means of a bolt 154.It will thus be understood that when the lever 93 is turned in bracket152, the master cylinder 81 is swung from a contact to a noncontactposition with blanket cylinder 63. The hub 155 of a handle 93 isprovided with a spring loaded latch 156 controlled by compression spring157 and pivoted at 158. The edge of latch 156 engages a notch 159 in themaster cylinder pressure adjusting plate 160. This plate is adjustablysecured to bracket 152 by means of a bolt 161 extending through anarcuate slot 162 in the plate. Rotation of the plate 16% when bolt 161is loosened controls the contact pressure between master cylinder 80 andblanket cylinder 63. The clockwise rotation limit stop for handle 93 isdetermined by a staked-out car 163 in plate 160. it will be apparentthat when latch 156 is completely engaged in notch 159, as is the casefor normal printing operation of the press, the latch pivots on post 158to its maximum clockwise position shown in FiGS. 13 and 14. The latchmay have a beveled face or other means 164 which permits release andpivoting of the latch when clockwise rotational pressure is applied tohandle 93. This pivoting action of latch 156 is important because it isutilized to actuate the master cylinder switch 165 through the agency ofa pivoting bail 166 journaled in housing 44 at 167 and 168. Journalingof bail 166 at these two points produces a pivoting action of theextremity 169 of the bail (FIG. 16) so that the button 170 of switch 165is depressed when bail 166 pivots. Since latch 156 is held in outwardlypivoted position except when it is engaged in notch 159, the bail 166 isalways pivoted in a counterclockwise direction as seen in FIG. 16,whenever latch 156 rides on the surface of adjusting plate thusactuating the double throw switch to a position opposite to that shownin FIG. 25. When, however, handle 93 is turned counterclockwise as seenin FIG. 3 until latch 156 engages notch 159, the end 169 of the bailpivots to release switch button thus closing a circuit as will bedescribed more fully hereinafter. it will be understood that theswitches 165, 127 and bail 166 are all mounted on the inside of cover 44so that they are readily installed or removed simply by disconnectingthe single holding bolt which is inserted through hole 171 in housing44.

Sheet Counters As previously noted, the main sheet counter 46 isactuated whenever a sheet passes between the blanket cylinder 63 and theimpression cylinder 62. Should no sheet be fed between these twocylinders, the detecting device shown schematically at 61 interruptsaction of counter 46 in the standard manner. The count down controlcounter 47 is mounted on housing 44 and is provided with means foractuating a switch 175 so that when counter 47 is satisfied by reaching0, the switch is automatically thrown to open and close various presscircuits to be more fully described later. Control counter 47 has amanual lever 101 which may be used to reset the counter. Should theoperator desire to prevent actuation of the indicating dials, seenthrough window 176, he may manually hold down the linkage 96 locatedbetween counter 46 and counter 47 which is shown in greater detail inFIGS. 17-19. A control counter suitable for this purpose is manufacturedand sold by Trumeter Co., Ltd. Manchester, England, and known aspro-determined counter model SPMR1837. The shaft 98 of counter 46 has anactuating arm 177 clamped thereto by means of a bolt 178. A pin 179 onarm 177 provides a pivoting connection for a link 180 which carries anoverride arm 18]. that permits the link 180 to be pivoted in a clockwisedirection, as seen in FIG. 17, without affecting the position of shaft98. Link 180 also has a round collar 182 against which a right angleextension 183 of actuator 105 impinges. Connecting rod 184 is journaledto the other end of lever 180 and also to a pin 185on the controlcounter lever 186 in turn secured to shaft 97 by means of a clamp screw187.

It will thus be apparent that whenever the shaft 98 of counter 46 isactuated, shaft 97 of counter 47 is likewise actuated, but it ispossible to retain shaft 97 stationary and still permit normal actuationof shaft 98 by holding down rod 184. The upper part of the controlcounter housing mounts the two indicator lights 102 and 103. Except whenthe press is operated in a completely manual fashion, i.e., whenstarting and stopping of all the press functions must be individuallycontrolled by the operator, either light 102 or 103 will be lit. Light102 has an orange bulb, whereas light 103 has a red bulb. As long as themachine is set for automatic operation, the orange light 102 is lit.When,.however, the counter 47 is satisfied, red light 103 automaticallylights and also a chime 188 (FIG. 26) sounds. The control counter 47 maybe dismounted from housing 44 by removing screws 189, 189 anddisconnecting a junction block assembly 190. Manual setting of theindicating dials of counter 46 is accomplished by the knurled knob 99 sothat counter 46, set at at the beginning of the run, indicates the totalnumber of sheets passing through the press whether properly orimproperly printed. Counter 47, on the other hand, always indicates theremaining number of sheets to be run for a particular job and thispermits the operator to gage the time that may be utilized to preparematerial for the next run. A most important feature of the controlcounter 47 resides in the fact that it permits the operator to run testsheets through the press at any time be fore, during, or after the runwithout affecting the automatic shut off when the proper number of goodcopies have been run. This is accomplished simply by moving the countercontrol lever 101. Should it be desired or necessary to permitadditional ink build-up on the blanket, the sheets may be observed bythe operator while holding the leveruntil good copies are printed. Assoon as the proper ink build-up has been accomplished, the operatorreleases lever 101 and the press automatically stops when the presetfigure on counter 47 is reached.

In the event that there is some unsatisfactory printing during the runsuch as lack of paper stock, feed jam, or accidental moving of acontrol, the operator can run whatever number of make-up sheets requiredby actuating switch 94 and without affecting the setting of counter 47.Furthermore, if any overs need to be run, this is also accomplished byover-riding the automatic shutofi feature of the counter.

Blanket Cleaner and Auxiliary D ampening Attachments Many offsetprinting presses are equipped with accessories such as a blanket cleanershown and described fully in US. Patent 2,791,177 and auxiliary dampenerfor the master cylinder 80 as shown and'described in US. Patent2,798,426. In order to incorporate these accessories in my improvedcontrol system, I utilize a switch 195 mounted on the inside ofhousing'44 as shown clearly in FIGS. 20 and 23. This switch is normallyclosed and is capable of being controlled from three diiferent sources.The first manner of actuating the sm'tch 195 is by means of operatinglever 196 for the blanket cleaner. Operation of lever 196 to start theblanket cleaner also moves a plunger 197 to the right in FIG. 20 tostrike ear 198 secured to rocker arm 199 pivoted at 200. The oppositeend of plunger 197 surrounds an eccentric 201 to provide the requiredmovement of plunger 197 and the boss 202 8 in the housing is countersunkat 203 to permit the hoses sary canting of plunger 197.

The auxiliary dampening attachment is likewise controlled by means of alever 204 which is provided with a cam 205 that actuates a spring loadedplunger 206 mounted in the upper flange of housing 44. Spring 207maintains the plunger 286 in contact with the hub of lever 204 through acollar 208. It will be noted that both lever 204 on the auxiliarydampening attachment and lever 196 for the blanket cleaner correspond tothe levers bearing the reference numeral 50 in the respective patentsreferred to above. Rocker arm 199 is biased against the button 209 ofswitch by a compression spring 210 anchored on post 211. Actuation ofplunger 206 also pivots rocker arm 199 to throw switch 195. Pivoting thelever 204 in counterclockwise direction closes switch 195, and the sameis true for counterclockwise pivoting of lever 196.

The third control means for rocker arm 199 and switch 195 is provided byan angle bracket 212 which is bolted to the main press frame 153 asshown in FIG. 17. In the Multilith printing press described herein, thehousing 44 is secured to an ink roller saddle or subframe 213 whichpivots on the main frame 153 at bolt 214 (FIG. 3). This pivoting actionis controlled by means of the master cylinder lever 93 since bracket 152is jour naled to the main frame 153 by bolt 154. Switch 195 is securedto' the inside of housing 44 by means of screws 215, 215 so that it isactuated when the master cylinder and the saddle 213 are rocked towardsand away from blanket cylinder 63. The ink roll saddle 213, the housing44 as well as the elements fastened thereto rock as a unit. However,angle bracket 212 is secured to the stationary main frame 153 so that itis utilized to provide the third control for switch 195 when the mastercylinder is moved by partial turning of lever 93. It will thus be seenthat there are three independent means of actuating switch 195; first,lever 196; second, lever 204; and third, lever 93.

Electrical System The electrical control elements, other than theswitches already described, are contained in a box or housing 53 whichis mounted on a cross member 221 of the main press (FIG. 1). The controlhousing 53 contains a solenoid actuated normally closed bleeder orrelief valve 222 for the paper feed suction line 54 and also containsthe various relays for the main press motor 223. A multilead conduit 224terminates in a female junction block 225 that may be disconnected andconnected with the male junction block 226 (FIG. 23). The power line 227feeds into housing 53 as shown in FIG. 24 and terminates in junctionblock 228 connected to the main press switch 229. v

The interrelated electrical connections for the various switches alreadydescribed will'be more fully understood by referring to FIGS. 25-28. Theprimary elements of the electrical control circuit comprise the solenoidactuated valve 222 for the paper feed which is connected through thethree-position toggle switch 94, the master cylinder switch 165, and thecontrol counter switch 175. The auxiliary parts of this circuitconstitute the chime circuit 188 (FIG. 26), and an attachment for a timetotalizer indicator or recording device (FIG. 28). The chief elements ofthe press motor circuit comprise the press motor 223, and the pressmotor relay 230; the combination blanket cleaner, auxiliary dampener,the master cylinder switch 195; the ink roller switch 127; and anadditional relay 231 in the motor circuit which may be connected througha plug 232 to the blanket cleaner motor (not shown).

The operation of my improved control system can perhaps best beunderstood if explained in conjunction with the circuitry shown in FIG.25. Power is derived from the main supply 233 and is carried through themain manual switch 229. Leads from switch 229 connect to the control box53 through a connector 228. From thence 9 one side 234 of the line iscarried through a fuse 235 to junction block elements 225 and 226 and toterminal 236 of switch 94. The other side 237 of the main power lineconnects directly to motor 223 through plug 238. A take-oil lead 239connects lead 237 to one side of the armature of relay 239. The otherside 240 of the relay armature connects to terminal 241 of switch 94through junction block elements 225 and 226. Switches 94, 127 and 195are connected in parallel across leads 234 and 240 so that when eitherof these switches is closed, relay 230 is energized to close the circuitto motor 223 through lead 234, relay contacts 242, lead 243, plug 238,and motor leads 244. It will be noticed also that closing of any of theswitches between leads 234 and 240 may in certain types of presses beused to energize relay 231 to close the circuit to a blanket cleanermotor through leads 245 and 246. As stated previously, switch 94 has twomaintained positions and one momentary position which must be held. Theleft-hand lever position in FIG. 25 is the momentary position, whereasthe middle and right-hand positions are maintained. In the righthandposition with the switch blade 247 connecting switch terminals 236 and241, the press is operating in manual so that the press motor, paperfeed, and auxiliaries are running whenever the main switch 229 isclosed. In this manual setting, switch blade 248 remains connected toswitch terminals 249 and 250 as shown in FIG. 25. The complete controlby switch 229 when switch 94 is in the manual position will be clearfrom the fact that relay 230 is energized whenever terminals 236 and 241are connected. Simultaneously with the connection between terminals 236and 241, circuits to all press accessories remain, or are thereby madeopen.

When the switch lever of switch 94 is thrown to the middle position,with the switch blades as shown in FIG. 25, the press is on automatic.Relay 230 then will be energized to start the press motor 223 wheneverthe ink roller switch 127 is closed by pivoting ink roller knob 90 to ahorizontal position. Likewise switch 127 will be closed it the dampeningroller knob 95 is turned to the horizontal position as previouslyexplained. Motor 223 may also be started through switch 195 in any ofthree ways: (1) When the master cylinder lever 93 is turned part waytoward the operating position thereby tilting the ink roller saddle 213to close switch 195 through the agency of the stationary angle member212; (2) Counterclockwise movement of the blanket cleaner lever 196; (3)Counterclockwise movement of the auxiliary dampening attachment lever204. These last two movements would be clockwise if viewed in FIG. 1since FIG. 21 is actually seen from the other side of the press. Ofcourse, it is understood that starting and stopping of motor 223 cannotbe effected by either switch 127 or switch 195 if the other one hasalready been closed in any of the ways indicated above.

Assuming now that the press is running with switch 94 in the automaticposition and with either switch 127, 195 or both closed, the paper feednow remains under control of two switches namely 165 (actuated by themaster cylinder lever 93) and control counter switch 175. Valve 222 isnormally closed to seal the vacuum in line 51 of the paper feeder. When,however, the armature 255 of valve 222 is energized, the valve is openedthereby breaking the suction line 51 thus stopping the paper feed. Oneside of armature 255 is connected to the main line 239 by lead 256. Theother side of armature 255 is carried to terminal 249 of switch 94through blocks 225, 226, and lead 257. In the automatic position switchblade 248 connects terminals 249 and 25% so that the armature 255 isconnected to opposite sides of switches 165 and 175 by means of leads258 and 259. The terminal 260 of switch 94 which is connected toterminal 236 through blade 247 is also connected to switch 165 throughlead 261 and through switch 165 and block 190 to switch 175 through lead262. With the press operating normally in automatic, the position ofswitch will be as indicated in FIG. 25 but switch will be reversed sothat the circuit is open between leads 262 and 258 which de-energizesarmature 255 to feed paper. As long as counter 47 is not satisfied,throwing of switch 165 by lever 93 stops the paper feed because thecircuit to armature 255 will be closed through lead 259 to lead 258.With counter 47 satisfied as shown in FIG. 25 and therefore switch 75thrown to connect leads 262 and 258, control of paper feed isinterrupted. This control of paper feed by lever 93 without stoppingpress motor 223 is done by turning master cylinder lever 93 slightly todisengage latch 156 and throwing switch 165 to connect lead 259 and lead261 thus closing the circuit to armature 255 and opening valve 222. Thisclearly describes how partial actuation of the master cylinder lever 93in one area controls the paper feed when latch 156 actuates bail 166 andswitch 165 and also how operation of the lever 93 in a diiterent areacan be utilized to stop and start motor 223 through switch 195. Asexplained above, this latter partial movement of lever 93 from verticaluntil latch 156 moves bail 166 also rocks the entire ink roller saddle213 and the housing 44 through the action of cammed hub 151 in bracket152 (FIG. 13).

it will thus be understood that with lever 93 in the normal operatingposition (switch 165 connecting leads 261 and 262) paper will not feeduntil counter 47 is reset to open leads 262 and 258. Normally at the endof a run when the control counter 47 is satisfied, switch 175 is thrownand the paper feed stops because the circuit is closed between leads 262and 258 thus energizing the armature 255 and opening Valve 222.

Switch 263 in the control counter housing operates lights 192 and 103which serve to indicate the condition of the press. With switch 94 setin the automatic position, the yellow light 102 will be lighted due tothe completion of a circuit through lead 264, connector 190, leads 265,266, terminals 267 and 268 of switch 263, leads 269 and 261. When thecontrol counter is satisfied thereby throwing switch 175 to stop thepaper feed, switch 263 is likewise actuated to connect terminals 267 and279. This opens the circuit to yellow light 192 and simultaneouslycloses the circuit to red light 103 and chime 188 through leads 264,271, 272, and 269.

The chime 188 (FIG. 26) is also sounded when terminals 267 and 271 ofswitch 263 are closed. This completes a circuit through lead 273,connector 190, junction block 225, 226 and connector elements 275 and276. Chime 188 is mounted on the control housing 53 (FIG. 15) or it maybe located at some more remote position. This is important in the eventseveral presses are running and it may be desirable to have the operatorwarned as to which press has finished the run.

The same applies to the connector 277 (FIG. 27) which shows how thelights 102a and 193a may be located in a remote position either inaddition to the lights in control counter housing 47 or in place ofthem.

Where a time study may be desirable or for other reasons the timerequired to complete a certain run should be known, a connector 278 isplugged into connector 275 so that any one or more devices such as thetheoretical impression time, make-ready time, and printing time may beindicated or recorded. The red and yellow lights 102 and 193 serveanother important function since a glance at these lights always tellsthe operator the condition of the press. It switch 94 is set in theautomatic position, the yellow light indicates that counter 47 is notsatisfied, the red light indicates that the run is finished and thecounter is satisfied. If there are no lights on at all (assuming mainswitch 229 is closed) then the operator knows that switch 94 is thrownto the right or manual position.

However, the automatic features controlled ordinarily by control counter47 and switch 175 and 165 can be overridden by holding switch 94 in theleft-hand positio'n; In this'event switch bar 247 remains connected toterminals 236, 260 but switch bar 248 is thrown to connect terminals 249and 280. Terminal 28.0 is connected to the normally'closed side ofswitch 175 through lead 281 and connector 190. This simply nullifies thenormal action of switch 175 so that the circuit to armature 255 isbroken and paper will feed even though the counter may be satisfied.Thus, it is possible for the operator to run extra copies or overswithout resetting the counter so long as switch 94 is held. It will, ofcourse, be apparent that the press motor 223 does not stop when thecounter is satisfied. It is only the paper feed that stops.

The Paper Guide Referring to FIGS. 29-31 the automatic operation of myimproved printing press is greatly enhanced by means of. an, improvedpaper guide for the feeder magazine 39. The guide permits very simpleadjustment and replenishment of the paper stock 38. Furthermore, myimproved paper guide eliminates lowering the entire stack should itbecome necessary to add a few sheets of paper. This can be done whilethepress is operating. In addition, the improved paper guide increases thecapacity of the magazine by at least 400 sheets of paper. Theconventional printing pressis ordinarily equipped with a double sheeteliminator which is a device to reject the second of two sheets whichare improperly picked up by the paper feed. When printing two sides of asingle sheet and also when printing in color, it is very important to beable to insert the reverse sheets or the sheets for the second colorprinting or a rejected double sheet without cranking the feed carriageall the way down. The time saved is extremely important and this featureis of great advantage when used in conjunction with the automaticcontrols described heretofore.

The guide assembly 40 is adjustably mounted on a cross member 300 bymeans of a knurled set-screw 301 as seen in'FIG. 29. Cross member 360 ispositioned on the front of the printing press which is provided with theconventional elements such as the elevator platform 302 connected to acounterweight 303 by means of a chain 304 running over sprocket 305.Sprocket 395 is rotata ble by means of a spring loaded crank 306.Operation of crank 306 permits the platform 302 to be raised andlowered. The suction head 57 is pivotally actuated by means of amechanism not shown to pick up the top sheet from the stack 38, deliverit between the upper roller 397 and lower roller 58. Lateral air jets310 and 311 assist in separating only the top sheet from the stack.Adjustable side guides 312 and 313 may be moved by means of thumb screws314, 314 in accordance with the width of the sheets of the paper in thestack. This structure of the printing press is entirely conventional andforms no part of the present invention.

In order to accurately position the sheets in the stack and to retainthem in this condition, the paper guide assembly is essential. Thisassembly comprises a vertically depending arm 320 which is hinged on aguide bracket member 323 at 324 and is spring biased by means of an overcenter extension spring 325 so that it will be retained in an elevatedposition against a stop 326, as shown in FIGS. 29 and 30. The operatorcan readily flip the arm 320 in either direction to remove or insertsheets from the stack 38. When the platform 302 elevates suificientlydue to feeding of the paper stock to contact arm 32!), paper feed is notinterrupted because the arm simply pivots outwardly against the pressureof spring 325 but in no way hindering the elevation of the platform andconsequently damage the platform 302. The ability to replace limitednumber of sheets is of considerable importance when printing two sidesand two colors because double sheets when picked up in the feed arerejected and must be replaced in the feed to complete the run.

The combination automatic and manual control system described above canin many cases be installed as a unit on the Multilith press and also onother presses with minor adaptations; If for any reason all or any partof the control system fails to function properly, it is still possibleto disconnect the plug 228 and connect it directly to the motor bydisconnecting motor plug 238 and connecting these two together. Thispermits direct manual control of the motor 223 from manual switch 229.

To summarize the salient advantages and features of operation of myimproved control system, the following features are important.

(1) Easy installation not requiring the drilling of any holes in theexisting press structure. Can be attached and detached as a unit byremoving a single bolt. This feature is important in facilitatingservice and avoiding interruption of the press in the event someservicing may be required.

(2) The control counter provides a visible indication of the number ofsheets to be run and in addition permits ready resetting to the originalor any other desired number of sheets for the remainder of the run.Furthermore the control counter permits interruption of registry at anytimeshould such be desired.

(3) The press may be converted from manual to automatic operation andvice versa merely by the flip of a toggle switch. It may be desirablefor inexperienced operators to use the manual setting to avoidunnecessary spoilage of sheets. In addition, the press may be convertedfrom manual to automatic operation at any time during the run and thecount will be picked'up from the original setting.

(4) The indicator lights always tell at, a glance the condition of thepress whether the counter is satisfied, not satisfied, or whether themachine is running in manual.

(5) All of the controls are conveniently located without the necessityof reaching over the press.

(6) The momentary control switch permits additional sheets to be runwhenever such is desired.

(7) The individual control of the press motor by means of the mastercylinder lever as well as the two dampening attachments and the inkroller provide complete flexibility so that any required operation ofthe press can be conducted with the maximum efliciency.

(3) It is also possible to run short by kicking off the control counterat any time before the completion of a run.

(9) The paper guide greatly assists in the more effective operation ofthe press and permits the full value of the automatic features to berealized since the press does not have to be stopped to replenish paperstock or to insert or remove a'few sheets from the top of the stock.

10) In short my improved control system permits the operator to controlthe press in exactly the manner in which he wishes and does not make theoperator a slave to only one method of press operation. The controlsystem is inexpensive, effective, and fool proof.

Having thus described my invention, I claim:

1. In a control system for a printing press having a frame, paper feedmeans mounted on said frame, sheet counter means mounted on said frame,an ink roller mounted on said frame, a printing cylinder mounted on saidframe, and a blanket cylinder mounted on said frame position to beselectively contacted by said printing cylinder, the improvement thatcomprises paper feed interrupting means, manual means for moving theprinting cylinder from a contact to a noncontact position with respectto said blanket cylinder, and means responsive to the position of theprinting cylinder for actuating the paper feed interrupting means.

2. In a control system for a printing press having a frame, paper feedmeans mounted onsaid frame, sheet counter means mounted on said frame,an ink roller mounted on said frame a printing cylinder mounted on saidframe, and a blanket cylinder mounted on said frame position to beselectively contacted by said printing cylinder, the improvement thatcomprises paper feed interrupting means, manual means for moving theprinting cylinder from a contact to a noncontact position with respectto said blanket cylinder, means responsive to the position of theprinting cylinder for actuating the paper feed interrupting means, andmeans operable by the sheet counter for actuating the paper feedinterrupting means.

3. In a control system for a printing press having a frame, a pressmotor mounted on said frame, paper feed means mounted on said frame,sheet counter means mounted on said frame, an ink roller mounted on saidframe, a printing cylinder mounted on said frame, and a blanket cylindermounted on said frame position to be selectively contacted by saidprinting cylinder, the improvement that comprises motor control means,manual means for moving the ink roller from a contact to a noncontactposition, and means responsive to a position with respect to saidcylinder of the ink printing roller for actuating the motor controlmeans.

4. In a control system for a printing press having a frame, a pressmotor mounted on said frame, paper feed means mounted on said frame,sheet counter means mounted on said flame, an ink roller mounted on saidframe, a main dampening roller mounted on said frame, a printingcylinder mounted on said frame, and a blanket cylinder mounted on saidframe position to be selectively contacted by said printing cylinder,the improvement that comprises motor control means, manual means formoving the dampening roller from a contact to a noncontact positionwith-respect to said printing cylinder, and means responsive to theposition of the dampening roller for actuating the motor control means.

5. In a control system for a printing press having a frame, a pressmotor mounted on said frame, paper feed means mounted on said frame,sheet counter means mounted on said frame, an ink roller mounted on saidframe, a main dampening roller mounted on said frame, an auxiliarydampening roller mounted on said frame, a printing cylinder mounted onsaid frame, and a blanket cylinder mounted on said frame position to beselectively contacted by said printing cylinder, the improvement thatcomprises motor control means, manual means for moving the maindampening roller from a contact to a noncontact position with respect tosaid printing cylinder, manual means for operating the auxiliarydampening roller, means responsive to the position of the main dampeningroller for actuating the motor control means, and means responsive tothe position of the auxiliary dampening roller operating means foractuating the motor control means.

6. In a control system for a printing press having a frame, a pressmotor mounted on said frame, paper feed means mounted on said frame,sheet counter means mounted on said frame, an ink roller mounted on saidframe, a main dampening roller mounted on said frame, a blanket cleanermounted on said frame, a printing cylinder mounted on said frame, and ablanket cylinder mounted on said frame position to be selectivelycontacted by said printing cylinder, the improvement that comprisesmotor control means, manual means for moving the main dampening rollerfrom a contact to a noncontact position with respect to said printingcylinder, manual means for operating the blanket cleaner, meansresponsive to the position of the main dampening roller for actuatingthe motor control means, and means responsive to the position of theblanket cleaner operating means for actuating motor control means.

7. In a control system for a printing press having a frame, a pressmotor mounted on said frame, paper feed means mounted on Said frame,sheet counter means mounted on said frame, an ink roller mounted on saidframe, a main dampening roller mounted on said frame, an auxiliarydampening roller mounted on said frame, a blanket cleaner mounted onsaid frame a printing cylinder,

and a blanket cylinder mounted on said frame position to be selectivelycontacted by said printing cylinder, the improvement that comprisesmotor control means, manual means for moving the main dampening rollerfrom a contact to a noncontact position with respect to said printingcylinder, manual means for operating the auxiliary dampening roller,manual means for operating the blanket cleaner, means responsive to theposition of the main dampening roller for actuating the motor controlmeans, and means responsive to the positions of the auxiliary dampeningroller and the blanket cleaner operating means for actuating the motorcontrol means.

8. A control system in accordance with claim 1 having a switchcontrollable by the sheet counter means, a switch controllable by theink roller, a switch controllable by the printing cylinder, a motor foroperating the press, and electrical circuits connecting said switchesand motor.

9. A control system in accordance with claim 2 having a switchcontrollable by the sheet counter means, a switch controllable by theink roller, a switch controllable by the printing cylinder, a motor foroperating the press, and electrical circuits connecting said switchesand motor.

10. A control system in accordance with claim 3 having a switchcontrollable by the sheet counter means, a switch controllable by theink roller, a witch controllable by the printing cylinder, andelectrical circuits connecting said switches and the press motor.

1 1. A control system in accordance with claim 4 having a switchcontrollable by the sheet counter means, a switch controllable by theink roller, a switch controllable by the printing cylinder, andelectrical circuits connecting said switches and the press motor.

12. A control system in accordance with claim 5 having a switchcontrollable by the sheet counter means, a switch controllable by theink roller, a switch controllable by the printing cylinder, andelectrical circuits connecting said switches and the pres motor.

13. A control system in accordance with claim 6 having a switchcontrollable by the sheet counter means, a switch controllable by theink roller, a switch controllable by the printing cylinder, andelectrical circuits connecting said switches and the press motor.

14. A control system in accordance with claim 1 having a switch for thesheet counter, a switch operable by the ink roller, a switch operable bythe printing cylinder, a main press motor, suction means for feeding thepaper, a solenoid valve for bleeding said suction means, and electricalcircuits connecting at least some of said switches and the solenoidvalve and the motor.

15. A control system in accordance with claim 2 having a switch for thesheet counter, a switch operable by the ink roller, a switch operable bythe printing cylinder, a main press motor suction means for feeding thepaper, a solenoid valve for bleeding said suction means, and electricalcircuits connecting at least some of said switches and the solenoidvalve and the motor.

16. A control system in accordance with claim 3 having a switch for thesheet counter, a switch operable by the ink roller, a switch operable bythe printing cylinder, a main press motor suction means for feeding thepaper, a solenoid valve for bleeding said suction means, and electricalcircuits connecting at least some of said switches and the solenoidvalve and the motor.

17. A control system in accordance with claim 4 having a switch for thesheet counter, a switch operable by the ink roller, a switch operable bythe printing cylinder, a main press motor suction means for feeding thepaper, a solenoid valve for bleeding said suction means, and electricalcircuits connecting at least some of said switches and the solenoidvalve and the motor.

18. A control system in accordance with claim 5 having a switch for thesheet counter, a switch operable by the ink roller, a switch operable bythe printing cylinder, a main press motor suction means for feeding thepaper, a solenoid valve for bleeding said suction means, and elec- 1 5trical circuits connect-ing at least some of said switches and thesolenoid valve and the motor.

19. A control system in accordance with claim 6 havingtrical circuitsconnecting at least some of said switches and the solenoid valve and themotor.

20. Apparatus in accordance with claim 1 in which the paper feedinterrupting means comprise a solenoid actuated bleed valve.

21. Apparatus in accordance with claim 1 in which the paper feed meanscomprises a suction motor, a suction pump feed head, a suction lineconnecting the motor to the head and a solenoid actuated bleed valve insaid suction line. A

22. In a control system for a unitary printing press having a frame,paper feed means mounted on said frame, sheet counter means mounted onsaid frame, an ink roller mounted on said frame, a main dampening rollermounted on said frame, an auxiliary dampening roller mounted on saidframe, a printing cylinder mounted on said frame, a main press motormounted on said frame, a switch operatively associated with the inkroller and a switch operatively associated with the main dampeningroller, the subcom bination which comprises a collar for actuating eachof said switches, a shaft for each of said rollers, a movable elementsurrounding each of said shafts, a recess on the periphery of each ofsaid shafts, a boss in the bore of said collar positioned to displacethe collar and thereby 1e actuate each of said switches when either ofsaid shafts is rotated to a position in which the boss registers withthe recess. V

23. Apparatus in accordance with claim 22 having a paper feed magazine,means for elevating said paper feed magazine in accordance with thefeeding of paper delivery to the printing cylinder, and a pivoting yokepositioned above the magazine to retain a stack of paper on the magazinein proper feeding alignment.

24. Apparatus in accordance with claim 23 having a toggle pivot, and anover-center spring for retaining the guide in an operative or aninoperative position.

25. Apparatus in accordance with claim 24 in which the lower extremityof the guide flares outwardly beyond the aligned edge of the magazine.

UNITED STATES PATENTS 1 References Cited in the file of this patent1,968,849 Morse Aug. 7, 1934 2,306,044 Davidson Dec. 22, 1942 2,358,284Davidson et al Sept. 12, 1944 2,542,073 Aberle Feb. 20, 1951 2,550,160Monk Apr. 24, 1951 2,660,113 Gullixson et al Nov. 24, 1953 2,716,942Timson et al Sept. 6, 1955 2,753,795 =Bruns July 10, 1956 2,756,672George July 31, 1956 2,813,484 Pratt Nov. 19, 1957 2,826,412 HaberlandMar. '11, 1958 2,916,988 Cragg Dec. 15, 1959

